Best Bluetooth Headset

Best Bluetooth Headset

Types of Bluetooth Headsets

In order to choose the best Bluetooth headset for your needs, the first thing you need to know is that there are different types available. There are three main types of Bluetooth headsets, which include:

The in-ear Bluetooth headset

The extended microphone Bluetooth headset

The headband Bluetooth headset

Below, you will find a detailed description of each of these three types of Bluetooth headsets and how they can suit your needs.

The In-Ear Bluetooth Headset

As the name describes, the in-ear Bluetooth headset sits in your ear by way of ‘ear buds.’ There are two ear buds, and each one fits snuggly into the ear. With this type of Bluetooth headset, you don’t have to worry about a bulky headpiece, which can be cumbersome and bothersome. The in-ear Bluetooth headset is compact, lightweight, and allows you to hear the sound from your device more clearly, as there is less of a chance of outside noise infiltrating the ear buds, as they sit right in your ear. The microphone piece is attached to the top of the ear bud. On the downside, the ear buds may be uncomfortable. There are different sizes available, so you can modify the size of the ear bud to suit the size of your ears, which will allow it to be more comfortable; however, you may not be able to find the ‘perfect’ size for your ears. Also, ear buds can have the tendency to fall out, which can interrupt your listening. Lastly, it may be difficult for other people to hear you, as the microphone is placed away from your mouth.

The Extended Microphone Bluetooth Headset

As the name suggests, the extended microphone Bluetooth headset has an extended microphone that comes out of the earpiece and extends down toward your mouth. This device is usually a single piece, which attaches over your ear. An ear piece fits into the ear, and the microphone extends down your cheek and to your mouth, or close to your mouth. The benefit of this design is that it allows others to hear you more clearly, as the microphone is closer to your mouth. On the downside, the piece that sits over your ear may be uncomfortable for some users. Also, because it is usually only a single piece, both ears aren’t covered, which means that you will have an ear exposed, which could compromise the sound that you hear.

The Headband Bluetooth Headset

This type of Bluetooth headset is designed like a traditional pair of headphones, but unlike traditional headphones, it is wireless. It also features a microphone, which is attached to the headset, so others can hear you when you speak. The main advantage of this type of Bluetooth headset is comfort. Because they sit on the outside of the ears, they are more comfortable, and the ear pieces are usually padded, which maximizes the comfort. The headband is also adjustable, so it will be easy for you to get the right fit. On the downside, the headband style Bluetooth headset is bigger and bulkier than other types, which makes it more difficult to store.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bluetooth Headset

There are a number of factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when shopping for a Bluetooth headset. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to choose the best type of Bluetooth headset for your specific needs. Some of the most important factors that you should consider include where you will be using the device, what you will be using it for, and the cost of the Bluetooth headset. To learn more about these and other factors that we think are the most important to consider when shopping for a Bluetooth headset, please keep on reading.

Where will you be using your Bluetooth headset?

One of the most important factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when shopping for a Bluetooth headset is where you will be using it. Where you will be using the device will greatly impact the sound that you will hear, and the ability for others to hear you. Consider where you visit the most and where you make most of your phone calls. For example, do you do a lot of outdoor activities, and do you make most of your phone calls while you are outside? Are you in a noisy interior location a lot? Will you be using it in a quite setting? If most of your conversational time is spent outside, such as during your commute or while you are jogging, then you are likely in a noisy environment most often while you are using your Bluetooth headset. If that is the case, you should look for a Bluetooth headset with a strong microphone and one that offers active noise cancellation. Headsets with two or three microphones are the way to go, because they dedicate one microphone to your voice and another to eliminate background noise using smart algorithms.

What will you be doing with your Bluetooth headset?

Will you be using your Bluetooth headset mostly to listen to music, or to have conversations while you are on the phone? What you will be doing with your Bluetooth headset will help you determine which type of Bluetooth headset will best suit your needs. For example, if you will be using the device mostly to listen to music, a headband set will be the most comfortable for you and offer you the best sound quality. However, if you are going to be mostly using it to make phone calls, than an extended microphone Bluetooth headset will be a good option for you. If you are using it to listen to music while you are running or doing other types of exercises, an in-ear Bluetooth headset will be the best option for you.

The Battery Life of the Bluetooth Headset

As a general rule, battery life and size are directly related when it comes to Bluetooth headsets. In other words, the bigger the device, the longer the battery life will last, and the smaller the model, the shorter the battery life will be. When determining how much battery life you need, consider how long you will be using your Bluetooth headset for. If you are going to be using it for long periods of time, you are going to want to have a device that offers a long battery life; however, if you are only going to be using it for short periods of time, a shorter battery life should work. You may be thinking that a longer battery life is always better, but do keep in mind that larger devices that offer more battery life do cost more.

The Performance of the Bluetooth Headset

Another important factor that you are going to want to take into consideration is the performance of the Bluetooth headset. When it comes to performance, the voice quality and range are important. Good quality depends on the standard that is imposed during the manufacturing of the device, as well as the material that is used. The larger the range, the further away from your device you will be able to be while using your Bluetooth headset.

The Compatibility of the Bluetooth Headset

In order for your Bluetooth headset to work properly, you need to make sure that it is compatible with your device. It is a wise idea to have an understanding of the VoIP specifications of your hardware before you go shopping for a headset. Will you be using a simple computer, a VoIP adapter, an IP phone or another device? Do you have a sound card and the stereo audio jacks? Do you have USB ports? Make sure that you have the support for the underlying standard before you choose a Bluetooth headset.

The Cost of the Bluetooth Headset

Another important factor that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a Bluetooth headset is the cost of the device. Bluetooth headsets can vary significantly in price. Generally, the more powerful the device is and the more features it offers, the more expensive it will be. Make sure you know how much you want to spend before you start shopping so that you can avoid spending more than you want to.

The Features Bluetooth Headsets Can Offer

There are a number of features that Bluetooth headsets can offer. These features are intended to make the Bluetooth headset more efficient, and easier to use. As was mentioned above, the more features that a Bluetooth headset offers, the more expensive it will be. It is important to make sure that you understand the different features and their intended purposes so you can determine whether you want or need them, and if the added cost will be worth your while.

Here is a look at some of the most popular features that Bluetooth headsets can offer.

High Definition Sound

If you really want to have an awesome sound experience, look for Bluetooth headsets that offer high definition, or HD, sound. These headsets operate at 16 KHz as opposed to the 8 KHz that other headsets operate at. This offers a significantly better sound quality.

Noise Cancellation

If you want to cancel out other noises while you are talking, than you will enjoy a noise cancellation feature. This feature works by detecting the ambient noise and using special hardware to suppress it, blocking unwanted background noise, which can be distracting to the user and the person on the other end of the phone.

Voice Command

With voice command, you can use your Bluetooth headset simply by stating a verbal command. This will also allow you to use the mobile devices that your headset is hooked up to with a simple voice command.

The Best Bluetooth Headset Brands

There are several manufacturers that produce Bluetooth headsets. If you want the best and the most reliable headset, than you are going to want to purchase one of these brands, all of which have received high user reviews.

Jawbone

Jawbone is one of the best Bluetooth headset manufacturers on the market. Their products are highly quality, are extremely reliable and offer a range of features that make them efficient and easy to use.

Plantronics

This is another high quality manufacturer of Bluetooth headsets. Their products are state of the art, offer the latest advances, and consistently receive high ratings from those who use them.

Jabra

We also really like the Bluetooth headsets that are produced by Jabra. They also use state of the art technologies and are always on the cutting edge so that they can ensure that they provide users with the highest quality products.

About Us

Consumer Essentials was launched to help empower consumers with the knowledge to make the right decision when purchasing a new product. We personally purchase and test each and every product we recommend on our website.